Furukawa Festival

Overview

The Furukawa Festival (古川祭, Furukawa Matsuri) is an annual spring festival held on April 19 and 20 in Furukawa-cho, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture. It is the main festival of Keta Wakamiya Shrine. The festival is officially designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan (since 1980) and, in 2016, was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as part of the group "Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan" .

The festival consists of three main events: the solemn "Mikoshi Procession" (portable shrine parade), the dynamic "Okoshi Daiko" (waking drum), and the elegant "Yatai Gyoko" (float procession). The festival takes place against the backdrop of Hida Furukawa's historic townscape, known for its white-walled storehouses and the Seto River canal. It is considered one of the representative spring festivals of the Hida region . The festival is also sometimes counted among Japan's "Three Great Naked Festivals" .

History and Origin

The exact origins of the Furukawa Festival are not definitively known, but the earliest written records mention the floats (yatai) in 1776 (An'ei 5) and the Okoshi Daiko in 1831 (Tenpo 2) . For the floats, a travelogue titled "Hida Miyage" written by the poet Rin Ko from Omi Province (present-day Shiga Prefecture) records that during the festival in 1782 (Tenmei 2), nine floats were paraded, and performances and prayers were offered on them . This indicates that the float festival was already well-established by the late 18th century.

The festival was originally held on the 6th day of the 8th month of the old lunar calendar (around September in the solar calendar). However, due to an epidemic in August 1886, the festival could not be held and was postponed to November of that year. The following year, in 1887, it was changed to a spring festival, held on April 16 and 17. Finally, in 1889, the date was fixed to the current April 19 and 20 .

The Okoshi Daiko originally began as a "Mezamashi Daiko" (waking drum), a custom where drums were beaten through the town before dawn to announce the start of the festival. The term "Okoshi Daiko" first appears in a document called "Jōshiki" (a set of festival rules) estimated to be from 1831 (Tenpo 2) . The unique aspect of the Furukawa Festival is that this drumming event evolved into an independent, central ritual.

The floats were influenced by those of the nearby Takayama Festival during the Edo period, with records indicating that some floats were even purchased second-hand from Takayama. The technology for karakuri (mechanical dolls) was introduced from Kyoto, and the skills of Hida's master artisans gave the floats their distinctive, ornate style . Over the centuries, each float group has competed to make their float more splendid and intricate through renovations and rebuilds.

Highlights

The Fierce Battle of the Okoshi Daiko (Waking Drum) The main highlight of the Furukawa Festival is the Okoshi Daiko, held on the night of April 19. A large drum, about 80 cm in diameter, is mounted on a scaffold (yagura) and carried through the town by hundreds of naked men . This event originated from the "waking drum" that signaled the start of the festival, but it has transformed over time into a wild and powerful spectacle. The deep sound of the drum and the intense energy of the men create a thrilling atmosphere that shakes the entire town of Hida Furukawa.

The Honor of Attaching the Tsuke Daiko Small drums called "Tsuke Daiko" (attached drums) are carried by men from each of the town's 12 districts. These men charge towards the main drum's scaffold, desperately trying to attach their small drum to the back of it. Achieving this is considered the greatest honor, leading to fierce, often violent, battles between the groups . This tradition of the Tsuke Daiko is said to have begun around the end of the Edo period, reflecting the famously passionate and fiery spirit of the people of Furukawa, known as "Furukawa Yancha." The attacks and defenses continue from night until the early hours of April 20 throughout the town.

The Magnificent Float Procession (Yatai Gyoko) On April 19 and 20, nine gorgeously decorated floats are paraded through the streets of Hida Furukawa. The floats are named Seiryu-dai, Hoo-dai, Kirin-dai, Sanko-dai, Kinki-dai, Seiyo-dai, Ryutei-dai, Byakko-dai, and Kagura-dai, each with a unique history and design . These floats are designated as Gifu Prefecture Tangible Folk Cultural Properties. During the night festival, the floats are illuminated with lanterns and are paraded solemnly, returning to their storehouses while playing a special farewell melody, creating a magical and serene scene.

Karakuri Dolls and Children's Kabuki On top of the floats, traditional performing arts are presented. The Seiryu-dai float performs a karakuri doll show called "Otsu-e," the Kirin-dai float performs "Shakkyo," and the Byakko-dai float performs a children's Kabuki play called "Hashibenkei" . These performances have been passed down since the Edo period and showcase the high level of craftsmanship and artistic culture of the Hida region. While all floats once had such performances, only these three maintain the tradition today.

The Unique Role of the Kagura-dai Float The Kagura-dai float is unique among the nine. It has no roof, instead featuring a large golden drum suspended from a frame. Five men in traditional eboshi hats and hitatare robes play sacred music (kagura), and two lions perform a dance on the float . This is the only float that receives a divine spirit from Keta Wakamiya Shrine and always leads the float procession. Its distinctive appearance symbolizes the sacred nature of the festival.

The History and Present State of the Sanbaso Float A tenth float, the Sanbaso, once existed but was destroyed in the great fire of Furukawa in 1904 (Meiji 37). It is now permanently retired . Only the magnificent scarlet curtain (shojo hi no obaku) and a karakuri doll of a female Sanbaso dancer remain as precious cultural artifacts. Today, the group participates in the festival by parading only a flag bearing the float's name, serving as a reminder of its former glory.

Event Information and Access

1. Dates: Annually on April 19 (Eve of the Festival) and 20 (Main Festival Day).
2. Location: Throughout the Furukawa-cho district of Hida City, Gifu Prefecture (around Keta Wakamiya Shrine).
3. Main Events:
   • April 19: Okoshi Daiko (night event), Float procession (within each district).
   • April 20: Float gathering and display, Dedicated performances, Mikoshi procession, Night festival.
4. Access:
   • By Train: Get off at JR Takayama Main Line "Hida-Furukawa Station," then about a 10-minute walk.
   • By Car: About 30 minutes from the "Hida Kiyomi IC" on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway. Traffic restrictions are in effect during the festival. Temporary parking lots may be available, so please check the official website in advance.
5. Contact: Hida City Tourism Association (TEL: 0577-73-2111) or Hida Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall.
6. Important Notes: Always check the official website (e.g., Hida City Official Tourism Site "Hida no Tabi") for the latest schedule and confirmation of the event. The schedule is subject to change due to weather or social conditions.

Surrounding Area Information

The stage for the Furukawa Festival, the town of Hida Furukawa, is a charming historic district with white-walled storehouses and the picturesque Seto River canal, which is home to colorful carp. During the festival, the floats are paraded through this scenic area, allowing visitors to enjoy both the festival and the town's atmosphere. A walk along the canal is a must for any visitor.

For those who want to learn more about the festival's history and floats, the "Hida Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall" is an excellent destination. It features permanent exhibits of three actual floats (Kagura-dai, Seiryu-dai, and Byakko-dai) and shows a powerful video of the Okoshi Daiko . The hall is open year-round, giving visitors a chance to experience the festival's spirit even outside of the event dates.

Hida Furukawa is also known as a sacred site for the anime film "Your Name." (Kimi no Na wa.), attracting many fans. Beyond the festival, visitors can enjoy exploring the old town, tasting Hida beef cuisine, and sampling local sake. The area offers a rich blend of cultural heritage, festival excitement, and gastronomic delights.

Related Information

1. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Furukawa Festival was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016 as part of the "Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan" group, which includes 33 festivals from 18 prefectures .
2. Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan: The "Okoshi Daiko and Float Event of the Furukawa Festival" was designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1980 .
3. One of Japan's Three Great Naked Festivals: The Furukawa Festival is often counted among Japan's "Three Great Naked Festivals," though the festivals included in this grouping vary by source.
4. Number and Types of Floats: There are currently nine active floats (Kagura-dai, Seiryu-dai, Byakko-dai, Hoo-dai, Kirin-dai, Kinki-dai, Seiyo-dai, Ryutei-dai, and Sanko-dai). The Sanbaso float is retired .
5. Skills of Hida's Master Artisans: The floats of the Furukawa Festival showcase the exceptional skills of Hida's craftsmen. The carvings, metal fittings, and textiles, which blend techniques from Kyoto and Edo, form a unique artistic style.
6. Hida Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall: This facility allows visitors to enjoy the festival year-round. It is located at 1-14-5 Ichinomachi, Furukawa-cho, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture. For hours and closing days, please check the official website.

← Explore More Festivals